Prepare the Moka pot: Unscrew the Moka pot into three parts: the bottom chamber (which holds the water), the funnel-shaped filter basket, and the top chamber (which collects the brewed coffee). Add water: Fill the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with cold, filtered water up to the valve or just below it. Do not exceed the valve level.
Insert the filter basket: Place the filter basket into the bottom chamber and fill it with the ground coffee. Level the coffee surface with your finger or a spoon, but do not pack it tightly. Assemble the Moka pot: Screw the top chamber onto the bottom chamber firmly but not too tightly. Ensure that the rubber gasket is clean and properly seated to create a seal.
Preheat the stovetop: Place the Moka pot on a stovetop burner set to medium heat. Make sure the handle is not directly exposed to the flame or heat source. Brew the coffee: As the Moka pot heats up, the water in the bottom chamber will heat and create pressure, pushing the hot water through the coffee grounds and up into the top chamber. You'll hear a gurgling sound during this process.
Watch the extraction: Keep an eye on the Moka pot while it brews. As soon as you see the coffee starting to flow into the top chamber, remove it from the heat. Cool down the Moka pot: Run the bottom chamber of the Moka pot under cold water or place it on a cool surface to stop the brewing process and prevent over-extraction.
Serve and enjoy: Once the Moka pot has cooled down, carefully unscrew the top chamber and pour the brewed coffee into your cups or mugs. The coffee from a Moka pot will be strong and concentrated, similar to espresso. You can drink it as-is or dilute it with hot water or steamed milk to create various coffee-based drinks.
